Overdose Awareness 5K Run/Walk

Walk. Run. Remember. Recover.

Each year, Phoenix House California hosts this event to remind us of the devastating toll of the ongoing opioid crisis. In Los Angeles County alone, fentanyl was involved in 94% of opioid overdose deaths in 2023. Behind each number is a life cut short, a family grieving, and a community in need of healing.

On September 20th, we invite you to join us at Dockweiler Beach to run or walk with us in solidarity for a future free from preventable loss. Together, we will:

Honor the lives of those we’ve lost.
Provide community members and families with life-saving resources.
Celebrate recovery and resilience.

Every step counts in bringing awareness, hope, and action to a crisis we can change—together.

Phoenix Houses of California is one of the state’s leading non-profit organizations specializing in substance abuse and mental health treatment offering treatment and services to individuals and communities who are uninsured, unhoused, incarcerated and otherwise underserved. Phoenix Houses of California is at the forefront of the battle against overdose deaths, being one of the few organizations in the state that trains all staff and clients on how to use Naloxone effectively.

The 5k begins at 9:00am.

Registration & Check-in opens at 8:00am.

Will there be water? Yes! In your registration bag, you will find a Phoenix House California PATH water bottle. It is reusable, and we know it's hot, so we will be providing plenty of extra water for refills. In addition to water, several other complimentary beverages will be provided including Lemon Perfect and Happy Coffee products. 

Will there be food? Yes! Registration includes a complimentary lunch and dessert. At check-in, you will be given a wrist-band to show at the Habit Burger truck as well as the shaved ice and ice cream carts following the race. Bagels, fruit and granola bars will also be made available to all participants. 

Can my friends and family come watch without having to walk or run? Yes! The more the merrier. Everyone is invited, but we cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate a free meal to non-registered participants. 

Can my friends and family sign-up there? Yes, we can accommodate day-of registration at the event. However, cell reception at the beach can be spotty, so we highly recommend signing up beforehand! Feel free to share the registration link. 

Should I stay after I finish? YES! Following the 5k there will be an array of activities for all to enjoy- including kite flying, rock decorating, and more. We will also be sharing information and prevention materials, followed by words from our CEO, Dr. Alice Gleghorn. And you won’t want to miss lunch, ice cream or the awards ceremony!

Can I bring my dog? Unfortunately, Dockweiler Beach does not allow dogs. We love dogs and wish they could participate, but the pups will have to stay home in the air conditioning. 

Where do I park? PARKING LOT #3

As a registered participant, you will be offered complimentary parking in Dockweiler State Beach Parking Lot #3.

How do I get there?

Instead of typing ‘Dockweiler Beach’ into navigation, we recommend using the address below for directions. It will get you close to Lifeguard Tower #50 and closer to Parking Lot #3 than the general address for Dockweiler Beach.

7697 S Marine Ave, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293

You will enter the parking lot via Imperial Highway where you will check in at the parking attendant booth. You’ll give your name to the Phoenix House California representative who will provide you with a day pass to place on your windshield. (Make sure that the parking pass is visible on your windshield to avoid a ticket!)